How They Decorated illustrates some of the great rooms of the twentieth century, whose stylish residents influence our tastes today.

Gloria Vanderbilt cleverly noted, “Decorating is autobiography.” Reflecting that truism, the interiors in this book capture the individual approaches of these icons of style: Bunny Mellon’s spare all-American elegance; Hélène Rochas’s refined sophistication; Vanessa Bell’s colorful bohemianism; Mona von Bismarck’s breezy opulence; and Georgia O’Keeffe’s earthy chic. Author P. Gaye Tapp analyzes each of her subjects’ refined way of living, how she embellished her residences (or left them elegantly stark), and the long-lasting effects on today’s generation of designers and connoisseurs of beauty.

The book is presented in four sections that describe the aesthetic approaches that the ladies took in decorating their abodes: “The Fashionably Chic”, “The Unconventional Eye”, “In the Grand Manner”, and “Legacy Style”. Each interior illustrates the crucial aspect of the lady’s definitive taste. Some worked closely with decorating legends such as John Fowler, Albert Hadley, Billy Baldwin, Syrie Maugham, and Jean-Michel Frank. Others took to the task of decorating single-handedly—like Pauline Trigère, Sybil Connolly, Vita Sackville-West, and Fleur Cowles. The interiors of these trendsetting ladies defied their time and inspire and delight to this day. In How They Decorated, one can learn from the most notable style muses of the last century.

P. Gaye Tapp is the creator and author of the highly regarded blog Little Augury and an interior designer for more than twenty-five years.

Charlotte Moss is a noted American interior designer and author.

"In How They Decorated: Inspiration from Great Women of the Twentieth Century, blogger P. Gaye Tapp casts her eyes on the decorating styles of iconic women like Babe Paley, Pauline de Rothschild, Mona Von Bismarck and Elsa Schiaparelli. Whether these women employed top decorators or executed their homes on their own, the book provides great insights into lives fabulously lived."—Forbes.com

"visually-attuned…"—Vogue

"How They Decorated is a lovely and interesting book that anyone with an interest or passion for interior design should read from cover to cover."—La Dolce Vita Blog

"The interiors of these trendsetting women defied their time and inspire and delight to this day. In How They Decorated, one can learn from the most notable style muses of the last century."—Political Style Blog

"Design lovers everywhere should ready themselves for a real treat, as this April Rizzoli releases P. Gaye Tapp's "How They Decorated: Inspiration from Great Women of the Twentieth Century." Peaking past the curtains and into the homes of the most discerning aesthetic icons of their time, from Babe Paley and Elsa Schiaparelli to Bunny Mellon and Mona von Bismarck, the book straddles styles, eras, and tastes for an interior journey anchored in a certain, je-ne-sais-quois sense of refinement. "—Guest of a Guest

"Illustrated with vintage photography and watercolor renderings, How They Decorated is an archaeological volume at heart, tracing the genesis of the many enduring decorating styles that were influenced by the women in its pages." —Carl J. Dellatore

"A fascinating book"—Architect Deisgn Blog

"Interior designer and blogger P. Gaye Tapp recollects the lives and impeccably decorated homes of 16 iconic women in her upcoming book, How They Decorated: Inspiration From Great Women of the Twentieth Century"—New York Magazine

". . .this book takes the reader into the homes of heiresses, artists (including Georgia O'Keefe) and tastemakers of their generations. Written by a noted female interior designer, the book celebrates the discipline and the many women who have shaped its evolution."—HGTV.com

"In How They Decorated: Inspiration From Great Women of the Twentieth Century ($55, Rizzoli), P. Gaye Tapp explores the aesthetic approaches of 16 style-setters, including Pauline de Rothschild, Babe Paley, Bunny Mellon, Georgie O’Keeffe and more."—Modern Luxury Interiors, Atlanta

"Covering these sixteen elegant women, she shows how they (most of course worked with decorators, architects and designers) orchestrated rooms of great charm, individuality and style. Tables are lavishly set, bedrooms invite lingering, fashions are paraded. And then, just when the lavish interiors are feeling rather intense, she introduces Georgia O’Keeffe (bold simplicity) and then Lesley Blanche, the ultimate romantic. It’s a book to treasure. I love it."—The Style Saloniste

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